Three-dimensional microstructure characterisation of thermoplastic polyolefin blends.

The size, shape and distribution of different phases in thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO) blends and composites are critical to the properties of the materials, but can be difficult to characterise. Here we report the combination of heavy metal staining and focused ion beam - scanning electron microscopy (FIB-SEM) to reveal the three-dimensional (3D) structure of an elastomer-modified poly(propylene) and a talc filled elastomer-modified poly(propylene). High-quality, high-resolution serial images were collected and the 3D structures were characterised quantitatively.